Page 63 - 《孟子》（二）中·英对照版

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founder, supplying himself with the articles which he
uses solely from his own establishment? Why does
he go confusedly dealing and exchanging with the
handicraftsmen? Why does he not spare himself so
much trouble?”

Chen Xiang replied, “The business of the
handicraftsman can by no means be carried on along
with the business of husbandry.”

Mencius resumed, “Then, is it the government
of the kingdom which alone can be carried on along
with the practice of husbandry? Great men have
their proper business, and little men have their
proper business. Moreover, in the case of any single
individual, whatever articles he can require are
ready to his hand, being produced by the various
handicraftsmen: —if he must first make them for
his own use, this way of doing would keep all the
people running about upon the roads. Hence, there
is the saying, ‘Some labour with their minds, and

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